Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1887-07-28
ALASKAN CURiOS.
A Fine Collection Picked Up Among the
Newokmunes Esquimaux.


A Fine Collection Picked Up Among the
Newokmunes Esquimaux.
The scientific treasures of the Smith
sonian Institute have often been en-
riehed by contributions from California,
but more interesting collection of
curiosities has not been donated in late
years than that sent to the institute by
Captain E. P. Herendeen. of this city.
That gentleman was a member of the
Polar expedition which left this port in
1881 under the command of Lieutenant
P. H. Ray, United States army. Several
very valuable scientific observations
were made on the expedition. which
extended as far north as Ooglaamie,
a signal station in II deg. 16 min.
north. Captain Herendeen spent two
years among an Esquimau tribe at that
point called the Newokmunes, after
ward remaining for some time at Point
Barrow, at the extreme northwestern
point of the continent. He has recently
returned, bringing with him the magni6-
cent collection of curiosities spoken of.
A reporter was permitted to view
the articles, and listened with no little
interest to the captains account of his
adventures among people but little
known to the civilized world. AtPont
Barrow the thermometer frequently re-
cords as low as Sc degrees below zero.
Nine miles southwest, over broad fields
Of perpetual snow, lies the small signal
station of Ooglaamie, and near it the
stronghold of the Newokmunes, tribe
numbering about $50 people, whose
origin is lost in antiquity. Unlike the
Esquimaux, to whom they are allied in
many respects. the Newokmunes are
an extraordinarily strong, healthy and
vigorous people. A rude government
exists in the personages of Prince
Onalina, and Manunina, his Princess.
Both are comparatively well supplied
with this worlds goods, and their sub
jects owe them reverence rs deep, and
love as true, as do the people of En-
gland to Victoria. Their village, called
Newok, is situated on snowy plain
and presents at all times a most desc
late appearance. The only amusements
known to them is the yearly ten-days'
dance at the beginning of the summer
season, spearing fishes, seals, birds and
hunting deer. Sickness among them is
almost unknown, many of the tribe hay
ing become blind through extreme old
age. Free love prevails. While the
men are out on the hunting expeditions
the women are seated in their houses of
snow engaged in dressmaking and
kindred pursuits, with the temperature
at 20 degrees. The natives are well
armed with Winchester rifles, supplied
by traders. Their dexterity with that
weapon is evidenced by the fact that it
often takes twenty shots to bring down
deer.
Among the articles secured by Capt
ain Herendeen are dozen full dress
suits made of deerskins and trimmed
with wolverine fur. These completely
envelop the body from head to heel,
and render the wearer fantastic as well
as comfortable. Some of the dresses
are gayly decorated with feathers, strips
of sealskin and wolf claws. In all
cases the skins have been dressed to a
softness of touch that seems remark
able. Several photographs of natives,
taken in costume, showing the heavy
fringe of wolverine fur encompassing
the face, accompany the collection.
The tusks of mastadons found in pro-
fusion on Alaskan fields are frequently
used by the natives, who carve out Of
them many useful articles of household
furniture and articles of personal adorn-
ment. These include dippers, cups,
birds, bracelets, rings, hair-pins, balls,
wolf-heads, seals, etc. A large variety
ofthese articles, exquisitely modelled and
executed, are contained in the collec-
ton. The carvings are skillfully done,
and with race whose appliances are
limited the work would seem an utter
impossibility. Several baskets woven
of sea-weeds in a highly artistic man.
ncr, and unique in design, are also to
be seen. An exceedingly rare specimen
of the savik, knife of unique pattern,
used by the Newokmunes in warding
off evil spirits at night, is also included
in the collection. Prehistoric knives
and specimens of native drawings COM
plete a collection whose scientific value
to the Smithsonian Institute, represent.
ing as they do the handiwork of peo'
pie scarcely known, will be duly APP
preciated and admired by future gen
erations. Francisco Chronicle.